The week in Medicare updates
APCs Insider, November 21, 2014
Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to APCs Insider!
CMS posts guidelines for clinical laboratories concerning possible Ebola virus
On November 7, CMS posted information from the CDC with interim guidance for specimen collection, transport, testing, and submission for persons under investigation for Ebola virus disease in the United States. Before collecting any specimens, one should coordinate with the state public health laboratory/CDC. It contains information regarding personal protective equipment to be used by healthcare workers. Laboratory employees and other workers handling specimens for Ebola testing are strongly urged to review and fully adopt and implement this guidance. FDA test system information for hospitals and laboratories is provided, which includes test manufacturer, methodology, quality control, and test validation. Surveyors are to assess compliance for only CLIA. All regulations remain in effect.
View the survey and certification letter.
Request for nominations for members for the MEDCAC committee
On November 10, CMS posted a notice in the Federal Register announcing the request for nominations for membership on the Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory (MEDCAC). Among other duties, the MEDCAC provides advice and guidance to the Secretary of the Department of HHS and the Administrator of CMS concerning the adequacy of scientific evidence available to CMS in making Medicare coverage determinations. The MEDCAC reviews and evaluates medical literature and technology assessments, and hears public testimony on the evidence available to address the impact of medical items and services on health outcomes of Medicare beneficiaries. Nominations are due December 8.
View the notice in theFederal Register.
CMS posts proposed decision memorandum for screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography
On November 10, CMS posted a proposed decision memorandum stating the evidence is sufficient to add a lung cancer screening counseling and shared decision making visit, and for appropriate beneficiaries, screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), once per year as an additional preventive service benefit. The patient must meet certain criteria, including age, symptomatology, and other factors.
View the proposed decision memorandum.
CMS revises application-reassignment of Medicare benefits form
On November 14, CMS released a Special Edition MLN Matters article. This article states all providers and suppliers must use the revised CMS 855R (Reassignment of Benefits) application beginning June 1, 2015.
CMS posts quarterly listing of program issuances
On November 14, CMS posted a quarterly notice in the Federal Register listing CMS manual instructions, substantive and interpretive regulations, and other Federal Register notices published from July through September 2014, relating to the Medicare and Medicaid programs and other programs administered by CMS.
View the notice in the Federal Register.
Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to APCs Insider!
Related Products
-
Briefings on APCs
Worried about the complexities of the new rules under OPPS and APCs? Briefings on APCs helps you understand the new rules...
-
HIM Briefings
Guiding Health Information Management professionals through the continuously changing field of medical records and toward a...
-
Briefings on Coding Compliance Strategies
Submitting improper Medicare documentation can lead to denial of fees, payback, fines, and increased diligence from payers...
-
Briefings on HIPAA
How can you minimize the impact of HIPAA? Subscribe to Briefings on HIPAA, your health information management resource for...
-
APCs Insider
This HTML-based e-mail newsletter provides weekly tips and advice on the new ambulatory payment classifications regulations...
Most Popular
- Articles
-
- Joint Commission clarifies ligature risk requirements
- 3 ways CNOs can improve workplace culture
- Note similarities and differences between HCPCS, CPT® codes
- Practice the six rights of medication administration
- Don't forget the three checks in medication administration
- OB services: Coding inside and outside of the package
- What to include on the incident report
- Q&A: Primary, principal, and secondary diagnoses
- Code diagnoses and outpatient treatment for PTSD
- Understanding nursing roles in quality improvement
- E-mailed
-
- Tip: Coding for cancer
- Suicide prevention NPSG now applies to Critical Access Hospitals
- Prioritize sepsis assessments in your overcrowded emergency department
- Joint Commission clarifies ligature risk requirements
- Don't bill 59025, 76818 separately without separate physician orders
- Crossing state lines: What are the rules?
- 3 ways CNOs can improve workplace culture
- Searched
